It is easy to get caught up in the rush of Christmas celebrations, possibly overwhelmed with expectations and demands. One foreshadowing description of this Messiah, found in Isaiah 9 – the source for Handel’s “Messiah”, is Prince of Peace. This is echoed by angels announcing the nativity to shepherds in the fields. “…and on earth peace to humanity on whom God’s favour rests.” Jesus is the source of the peace we crave.
For Shelly and I it is our first Christmas in Humboldt! We are thrilled to be here and celebrate with this marvellous community. A new place brings opportunity for new traditions to emerge, evaluate past practices, discover how to place our decorations in this new home!
Every season of change brings opportunities and challenges. This Christmas is not as restricted as last year, and we look forward to the future, not necessarily returning to the ‘way it was’, but embracing new traditions along with the ones from the past.
For Mary and Joseph the first Christmas was an unexpected rush of travel, isolation from family, fighting for shelter, and the birth of their son in a stable. Luke tells us that Mary treasured these things in her heart.
By God’s grace may you find a time and place to treasure the birth and reality of the Messiah, to know His peace in your heart. The Lord bless you as you celebrate Christmas this year!
